Composer: Nicholas Sackman (born 1950), George Nicholson (born 1949)
Works: String Quartet No. 2 (1990/1), String Quartet No. 3 (1995)
Performers: Bochmann Quartet
Recorded: Nottingham University, May 1997
Label: METIER MSV CD 92016
Duration: 46:10
Retail Price: £9.49
In the realm of contemporary British string quartets, the recent release featuring Nicholas Sackman’s Second String Quartet and George Nicholson’s Third String Quartet, performed by the Bochmann Quartet, offers a compelling exploration of how modern sensibilities can engage with classical forms. The recording, released on the METIER label, showcases two distinct voices that, while rooted in the tradition of the string quartet, reflect a contemporary dialogue with the past.
Nicholas Sackman’s Second String Quartet, commissioned to resonate with Mozart, stands out for its deft balance between homage and innovation. The quartet, composed between 1990 and 1991, begins with an introductory movement that subtly references the Don Giovanni Overture. This opening, marked by its tenuous connection to Mozart’s thematic material, invites the listener into a sound world that is at once familiar and distinctly Sackman’s. The second movement unfolds as a serene slow section, drawing on an aria from Le Nozze di Figaro, yet Sackman manages to infuse his voice into this framework, creating a seamless blend of textures and colors.
The final fugal movement, where the influence of Mozart’s Fugue K546 becomes more pronounced, is particularly noteworthy. Here, Sackman’s intricate counterpoint and rhythmic vitality come to the fore, culminating in a resolution that feels both deliberate and enigmatic, hinting at the complexities of life and art. The Bochmann Quartet executes this movement with commendable vigor, their articulation of the fugal lines clear and precise, allowing the listener to appreciate the compositional craftsmanship that aligns Sackman’s modernism with classical intricacies.
Conversely, George Nicholson’s Third String Quartet, dedicated to his grandmother and composed in 1995, exemplifies a more introspective trajectory. Its single-span form divided into five contrasting sections creates a narrative that ebbs and flows with emotional depth. The opening section, characterized by harmonics and tremolos, establishes a contemplative atmosphere, which is then shattered by the energetic Scherzos that follow. The juxtaposition of these vibrant, almost frenetic passages against the reflective fourth section offers a compelling emotional arc, drawing the listener into Nicholson’s lyrical core.
The Bochmann Quartet displays an impressive understanding of Nicholson’s intent, particularly in the elegiac fourth section, where the strings weave a tapestry of sound that reflects both nostalgia and warmth. This performance effectively captures the essence of Nicholson’s communicative style, enhanced by the ensemble’s sensitive dynamics and nuanced phrasing.
The recording quality deserves particular mention; the clarity and warmth of the sound engineering allow each voice within the quartet to emerge distinctly, facilitating an immersive listening experience. The spatial balance achieved in the recording enhances the interplay between the instruments, drawing attention to both the intricate counterpoint and the emotive dialogues that are hallmarks of both composers’ styles.
In considering the historical significance of these works, it is essential to acknowledge how both Sackman and Nicholson contribute to the evolving British string quartet tradition. Their works, while reflective of personal narratives and contemporary influences, also engage with the legacy of the classical canon, breathing new life into it. Sackman’s ability to invoke Mozart without succumbing to mere pastiche, and Nicholson’s exploration of personal memory through music, mark them as vital voices in today’s musical landscape.
In conclusion, this recording by the Bochmann Quartet is a noteworthy addition to the discography of modern British string quartets. Sackman’s Second Quartet and Nicholson’s Third Quartet, both expertly executed, demonstrate a profound understanding of the string quartet’s capabilities while inviting listeners to consider the interplay of history and innovation in contemporary music. This release not only enriches the listener’s appreciation of both composers but also underscores the enduring relevance of the string quartet as a medium for artistic expression.
